The San Antonio Spurs draft lottery went as well as any Spurs fan could have hoped for.
Entering the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery lottery with a 26.3% chance of securing a top-four pick and a 6% chance of landing the first overall pick, San Antonio was eighth among teams with the best odds for a top pick.
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In the end, they secured the second overall pick, which was a much better outcome than many had anticipated. A team landing the No. 2 pick with only a 6.5% chance of doing so is typically talked about more; however, the Spurs’ good fortune was overshadowed by the surprise of the Mavericks taking the first overall pick. The Spurs also hold pick number 14, which they received from the Hawks.
Cooper Flagg is this year’s likely No. 1 pick, which leaves the two Rutgers stars in Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey available for the Spurs at two. Even though neither had the opportunity to showcase their talents in the postseason, each remain the respective number two and three prospects in this year’s draft, according to CBS Sports.
Which one of these Scarlet Knights should the Spurs look to draft on June 25?
Why Harper?
In his one year in college, Harper led his team in scoring with 19.4 points per game. His career high of 37 points came in November against a ranked Alabama team. The 19-year-old, six-foot-six guard also led the team with four assists and 1.4 steals per game.
Already, many NBA Insiders believe Harper is the clear option for the Spurs. They mentioned how the team believes they can fit Harper in the same backcourt as De’Aaron Fox and last season’s ROTY, Stephon Castle.
After Flagg, Harper is the likely the next best player available. He excels in the pick-and-roll and will only get better playing alongside a center like Victor Wembanyama. Harper’s size allows him to play and guard multiple positions on the floor. He was phenomenal at finishing at the rim in college, and that will likely translate to the NBA.
While not the greatest passer, Harper will form a strong trio with Fox and Castle who can help in that area. He has a high basketball IQ, influenced by his father Ron Harper, a five-time NBA champion who won three titles with Michael Jordan. The Spurs drafting Harper would be scary for the future of the league.
The Case for Ace
At Rutgers, Bailey averaged 17.6 points per game. His career high 39 points exceeds Harper’s. The 18-year-old, six-foot-ten, forward also led Rutgers with 7.2 rebounds and 1.3 blocks, the two categories not led by Harper. He also contributed with one steal per game.
Bailey is younger than Harper, giving him more time to develop. Despite his size and length, Bailey has played the guard position at times. He has the skill to score at all three levels and has been compared to players like Kevin Durant and Tracy McGrady.
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The Spurs are already a guard heavy team. While it may be smart to take Harper for his upside and talent, Bailey can help the Spurs at the forward position. Adding more size may benefit San Antonio, allowing for more flexibility to the lineup and rotation.
Bailey is a great defensive player and would fit perfect with this Spurs team. Even at his size, he has the ability to stretch the floor and defend multiple positions, which would complement Wemby in the paint and help on the perimeter alongside Fox and Castle. While Harper is seen as the better prospect, Bailey is younger, taller and more explosive, making him a better fit on this current Spurs’ roster.
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